Scott Parker has emerged as a surprise candidate to take over at Tottenham Hotspur if the club decides to part ways with current manager Ange Postecoglou, reports say.
The Australian's future at the North London club remains uncertain, regardless of potential Europa League success this season.
The Sun has claimed that several senior figures at Spurs "hugely admire" Parker's work at Burnley during the current campaign.
Despite experiencing challenging periods in charge of both Fulham and Bournemouth in the Premier League, the 44-year-old continues to be regarded as one of England's most promising young coaches.
Scott Parker has emerged as a surprise candidate to take over at Tottenham Hotspur if the club decides to part ways with current manager Ange Postecoglou
PA
Tottenham owner Daniel Levy is reportedly among those impressed by the former Spurs midfielder.
Levy is keen to maintain Tottenham's reputation for attacking football and developing young talent.
These qualities are central to Parker's coaching philosophy, making him an attractive option for the Spurs hierarchy.
However, appointing Parker would likely prove controversial among the fanbase.
If Postecoglou were to be dismissed, many supporters are already calling for a replacement with proven Premier League experience.
JUST IN:Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll relationship update as golf star leaves the UK after Masters triumph
Ange Postecoglou looks increasingly likely to leave Tottenham at the end of the season
PA
Online message boards indicate fans would prefer Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, who remains among the bookmakers' favourites for the potential vacancy.
Marco Silva and Thomas Frank are also being linked with the Tottenham job, while Mauricio Pochettino continues to be mentioned as a potential returnee to the club.
An insider told the newspaper: "It's going to be a big summer at Spurs. If they can win the Europa League, then it's very unlikely that Ange will go anywhere."
The source added that Postecoglou would have "earned the opportunity to start the new season" and attempt to improve Spurs' Premier League fortunes.
However, the insider warned that if Postecoglou "gets off to a bad start then the noise will become unbearable and he could be out by Christmas."
READ MORE: Oscar Pistorius' life now explained a year on after first picture of released killer emerged
Behind the scenes, contingency plans are reportedly being developed for life without the Australian.
The insider revealed that Parker "is a name who is being talked about more and more" within the club.
"The job he's done at Burnley has underlined, again, what an excellent young coach he is," the source continued.
There is reportedly a view among many at Tottenham that Parker "could be a potential boss for Spurs."
However, the club's hierarchy recognises the importance of getting their next managerial appointment right.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
"It might be the case that it's a bit early for Parker. But he's definitely someone who might potentially end up in the Spurs dugout one day," the insider added.
"Spurs came very close to appointing Parker in 2021 when he was Fulham manager. But, in the end, he just missed out."
It was also suggested Parker's development since then has enhanced his credentials.
"Many years have now passed, and he's become more experienced, which has made him an even more attractive proposition," they said.
Scott Parker has worked wonders at Burnley since replacing Vincent Kompany at Turf Moor
PA
The situation leaves Tottenham at a potential crossroads heading into the summer.
While Postecoglou could yet secure his position with Europa League success, Parker's emergence as a candidate signals the club is actively considering alternatives.
The coming weeks will prove decisive for the direction of Tottenham's managerial future.
